A first-half header from Derek Lyle proved sufficient to get Queen of the South back on track.
After seven games without a win, it was a timely goal from Lyle – his seventh of the season – and it moved his team within a point of fourth-placed Falkirk.
It was an even enough encounter over the 90 minutes with Queen of the South having to rely on a Chris Higgins' goalline clearance from Denny Johnstone to secure the three points.
But the home side took advantage of a strong spell of pressure in the first half to score the goal that mattered.
Lyle got it after 14 minutes, heading in a cross from Alex Harris, who had replaced the injured Andy Dowie a handful of minutes earlier.
The goal buoyed Queen of the South and Ryan Conroy had a decent effort from 25 yards which was just a foot too high.
Harris was next to try his luck with a 16-yard shot which Derek Gaston tipped over his crossbar.
Morton weathered the storm and Ross Forbes almost brought an equaliser from a free-kick which was just inches off target.
The Greenock side's main threat in the first half was from set-pieces but they opened the second half strongly.
Bobby Barr should have equalised after a sweeping move but he could not keep his shot down.
Alex Samuel had an opportunity shortly afterwards but also blazed his effort over the top.
Queens were under the cosh and Thomson had to react swiftly to keep out a low shot from Lee Kilday after Barr had fashioned the opening.
Teenager Aidan Smith had an opening at the other end but lacked composure in front of goal and Morton survived.
Johnstone thought he had brought the equaliser only for Higgins to deny him at the death.
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